Fans of American running know how hard it’s been to be a Yank in the international running scene over the last few decades. Desiree Linden just made up for 30 years of heartbreak as she became the first woman to win the Boston Marathon since 1985 with an unofficial time of 2:39:54. “I love this city,” Linden told NBC. “I love this race, this course. It’s storybook, so I’m thrilled to be here and to get it done.”

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Earlier in the race, the 34-year-old Linden, a two-time Olympian, took a break to wait for fellow American Shalane Flanagan who had dropped out to use a portable toilet. She wanted to return to the lead pack with her friend. “When you work together, you never know what’s going to happen. Helping her helped me and kind of got my legs back from there.”

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Founded in 2010, The Inertia is the definitive voice of surf and outdoors. We approach the natural world and its devoted culture with curiosity, optimism, and respect. We take pride in bringing our passion for the oceans and mountains to life through original films, reporting, and monumental gatherings. We aim to make a positive impact on our planet through partnerships with nonprofits working hard to preserve earth’s sacred places.